6 Ways to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

We all know the feeling of hurrying to your car in order to avoid the blistering summer heat, only to be overpowered by yet another wave when the car door swings open. The summer has its moments but this is definitely NOT one of them. Memorable? Yes. Favorable? No.

Luckily there are plenty of tips and tricks you can utilize to minimize your risk of being scorched every time you enter your family, office, or personal vehicle. If you follow the 6 steps below you’ll be well on your way to a cooler and breezier new beginning.

1. Wheel & Dash Cover

By covering your car or truck’s interior dash with some sort of fabric or upholstered dash cover, you’ll be less likely to shriek out in agony as your bare skin touches the extremely hot interior surfaces. By doing the same with the steering wheel, you’ll be protected from the heat, and a great deal more comfortable.

2. Accessories

There are plenty of great and affordable items available for purchase that have been proven to greatly reduce the heat within a vehicle. Car seat cooling cushions are a great way to combat the effects of the sun on your vehicles leather seats. Starting at around $40 on Amazon, they are a bit on the pricier side. If you’re not willing to spend that much for the added comfort of a cool bottom, there are also sun shades for your windows and windshield as well as “car curtains”. These range from $10-20 and are definitely worth the money if the sun is truly a problem for you.

3. Shaded Parking

Where you choose to park your car in the summertime can also have a huge impact on the inside temperature of the vehicle. By choosing to park in shaded areas such as under a tree or inside a parking garage, the amount of direct sunlight will be greatly reduced resulting in a not-so-miserable experience.

4. Crack Your Windows

This one is more of a no-brainer than anything, but it’s still worthy of being mentioned. Your car is bound to be exponentially less heated if you remember to crack your windows ever so slightly before exiting the vehicle. Don’t get us wrong, no one is telling you to leave them completely down, unless your goal is to invite someone in for a car-bound flea market. That being said, keeping your windows ¾ of an inch lower is never a bad idea when it’s upwards of 90 degrees outside.

5. Tint Your Windows

People with tinted windows are able to experience much cooler temperatures when entering their vehicles due to the lack of sunlight making it through the darkened glass. When you go to get your windows tinted, you’re normally asked what shade you would like (the darker you go the cooler you’ll be). In some states certain levels of tinting are illegal, so make sure whatever shade you choose is permissible by the eyes of the law in your particular state.

6. Remote Starters

Among the more costly solutions is investing in a remote starter. Although most current car models carry this as a stock feature, older models aren’t so lucky. If your car is in this category, don’t fret! Most car shops are willing to custom install these remote starters as an added service as well as keep them in-store. With this option, you can easily eliminate the hot and sticky process altogether and kick your AC on prior to opening your doors. Thank you technology!

So the next time you leave your air-conditioned office building to make your way to the vehicle below, remember the tips and tricks above. Hopefully this summer you’ll be able to experience less suffocation and more serenity!